This tutorial shows users how to find and download Creative Commons licensed materials that can be found at Flickr.com

1. Learning Technology Services, a Unit of Learning & Information Technology
Finding Creative Commons Content on Flickr.com
Photographs can increase the visual impact of posters and other projects. They can also help to
clarify ideas or concepts that may be difficult to describe in text. One great way to find photos to
use is to visit Flickr.com and search for photos that are made available using a Creative Commons
license. Creative Commons licensing gives you the ability to use some copyrighted photos without
the need to obtain direct copyright permissions from the photographer.
To get started, open your Internet browser and go to this address: http://www.flickr.com/
When the Flickr page opens, look for the Search button
and click on it.
In the new screen that opens, find the Search button. After
you find it, click on Advanced Search.
In the first part of the advanced search, you can
enter your keywords and define how you want your
keywords to be used. You can also choose words
that you want excluded from your search.
In the next area, you can choose what kind of content
you want to have returned in your search.
You can also decide if your want your search to return
photos, videos, or both. If you want videos, you can also
choose to have your search only return HD videos.
If desired, you can also set a time frame for when
the picture was taken or when it was posted.
University of Wisconsin-Stout 2012 © University of Wisconsin Board of Regents

2. Learning Technology Services, a Unit of Learning & Information Technology
In the last section, be certain to check the box titled,
“Only search within Creative Commons-licensed content.”
If desired, you can also check boxes for content which
can be used commercially or content which can be
modified, adapted, or built upon.
When you have set all your search parameters, click on
the Search button at the bottom of the screen.
Depending on what you searched for, you may get only a
few results, or you may get several pages of results. For
a larger view of an image, click on the thumbnail image.
When the image opens, there will be information about its Creative
Commons license to the right of the image. If you don’t know what the
licensing symbols mean, click where it says, “Some rights reserved.” A
window will open and the licensing terms will be explained.
If you want to use the picture and the license meets
your needs, go to the area above the picture. Open the
Actions dropdown menu and choose View all sizes.
Usually, there is a variety of sizes to choose from.
Choose the appropriate size by clicking on it and
then choosing to download.
University of Wisconsin-Stout 2 2011
2012 © University of Wisconsin Board of Regents

3. Learning Technology Services, a Unit of Learning & Information Technology
Depending on the browser you are using, you will get different messages
about downloading the image. You should choose to Save the image when
a message appears. This ensures that the image will now reside on your
computer.
Firefox
Internet Explorer
Things to Consider
• If you are unsure of the proper size to download, it is best to choose the largest size and use your
layout or printing program to reduce the size of the photo to fit in the space. This will help to ensure
that you have a good resolution.
• If you see images that are exactly alike and posted by multiple people, it is possible that one or
more of the people posting the image does not own the copyright to the image. If you suspect that
this is the case, try using a different image.
• It is a nice courtesy to inform the person who posted the picture that you have downloaded it and
how you will use it.
University of Wisconsin-Stout 3 2011
2012 © University of Wisconsin Board of Regents